As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) believes greater awareness can help prevent consumers from becoming victims of fraud through identity theft.

Typical identity theft cases include situations where government documents - such as drivers' licences, health cards, Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards, and birth certificates - have been unlawfully obtained or forged.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), in 2016 there were 9,481 complaints of identity theft in Canada. Of those complaints, victims were identified and their combined financial losses exceeded $12 million.

The consequences of having your identity compromised can have lasting effects on your life, including potential employment, individual finances and credit ratings, and your dealings with government and other agencies.

To better protect your identity:

Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or mail asking for personal or financial information;

Be aware of creditors or collection agency calls about an application or account you do not have; and,